Garfield Super Block
Park & Promenade Improvement Project
A Park for the People and by the People
GSB Arts Academy Video
Thanks so much to Converge Media for putting together this amazing video taken during our Arts Academy in January. We think it does a great job of capturing the story of this project and especially highlighting how public art is such a critical component of the plan.
Seattle Design Commission
Our Design team recently completed a review with the Seattle Design Commission, an advisory group that reviews major projects in the City of Seattle. At this 30% design review, the project was very well received and given approval to proceed to the next level. If you would like to see the presentation please follow this link.
Project Update- What’s the Latest?
The Garfield Super Block Coalition spent a busy 2019-2022 planning and fundraising with the goal of getting the project to a "shovel ready" status. We have achieved that goal with our design and engineering fully funded and capacity support for the coalition!
We have also passed two major review hurdles including 100% Design Development review from Seattle Parks and Recreation and 30% Design Review from the Seattle Design Commission. Many thanks to Site Workshop for shepherding the project through these review processes!
With a target of starting construction in early 2024, our focus is now twofold:
Continue community engagement to ensure that the design reflects the community vision. Look for events happening this spring and summer in the park in order to get engaged!
Fundraise for construction and art. We currently have $6M in funds for construction committed from Seattle Parks and Recreation and Seattle Public Schools, including with a $2M federal grant for construction, a $209K grant from King County to help pay for the new ADA ramp and a $475K grant from SDOT for right of way improvements. We anticipate having to raise an additional $3.5- $4M to fully fund the construction of the entire plan and install the public art pieces. We are pursing funding from local and state government funding sources and grants as well as running a capital campaign. Please stay tuned for ways that you can help through advocacy, spreading the word, and donating!
Our Project Flyer shares an up-to-date description of the project. Please read and share with anyone who might be interested!
Project Description
Located at the heart of the Central Area, the Garfield Superblock is the community’s central gathering place as well as a historical city-wide destination. Known to some as “Little City Hall”, the space pulsates with a rich history of events, people, and moments, which continues today.
The block is comprised of the Garfield Community Center, Medgar Evers Pool, the Tennis Courts and adjoining Garfield Park, including the historic Garfield Ball Fields; the Teen-Life Center, the Quincy Jones Performing Arts Center; and Garfield High School Track and Field. The community is known for its ethnic and racial diversity, being a historic platform of important civic events and cultural arts, and warm, welcoming hospitality during celebrations and in times of need.
The 2020 -2021 goal of the Garfield Superblock - Park and Promenade Renovation Project is to confirm and implement the unfinished renovation work of the 2005 Garfield Superblock Master Plan. This was a planning effort funded by the adjacent Garfield School renovation (completed in 2008). The Project design addresses the two following recommendations from the Master plan that were never implemented:
Grounds Improvements:
Site improvements throughout the park to help support the overall park and amenities use and activities.
A “Legacy and Promise Promenade”:
Creation of a pathway that integrates art and amenities that reflect the immense cultural diversity and rich history of the Central Area.
GSB is Unstoppable!
See the Team share a project overview.